Mengham Junior School in Hayling Island graded ‘good’ by Ofsted

Mengham Junior School's headteacher Wendy Bolton, with a few of the school's pupils pictured in the library. 'The school has been graded good across the board by Ofsted.'Picture: Allan Hutchings (150217-719) PPP-150902-103035001

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hard work paid off for staff and students after Ofsted heaped praise on their school.

Mengham Junior School in Hayling Island has been graded ‘good’ across the board in a recent inspection, up from ‘requires improvement’.

Our teachers are so passionate about what they do. They are now excited about the journey to outstanding.

Headteacher Wendy Bolton

Inspectors said that all aspects of the school’s work have improved, due to the inspirational leadership of the headteacher Wendy Bolton, who is supported well by school leaders and governors.

Teachers give pupils helpful feedback and children know how they are doing well and act promptly on the advice given.

Pupils enjoy their learning and good behaviour and enthusiastic attitudes help them to make progress.

Mrs Bolton said: ‘The whole team were ecstatic because they have worked really hard.

‘It wasn’t a huge surprise to us as a school because we have been working really hard since the last Ofsted.

‘We knew we were good so it was lovely to have that certified by Ofsted.’

Mrs Bolton said there were several aspects of the inspection that the school was pleased with.

‘They said that they found our teaching exciting and innovative and the children had enthusiastic attitudes to learning.

‘That’s part of the culture of the school. It’s nice to hear somebody else say that.

‘They noted that our governors are passionate about the school and are supportive of the school.’

She added that her staff are very committed to their work.

‘Teaching has become an all-consuming job,’ she said.

‘Our teachers are so passionate about what they do. They are now excited about the journey to outstanding.

‘The children love coming to school. They enjoy their learning. We involve them in their learning as much as possible.’

To improve further and become an outstanding school, the proportion of outstanding teaching needs to rise by ensuring teachers maintain the level of challenge and pace of learning for all pupils.

The communication to parents also needs to improve by ensuring the school’s website contains comprehensive information about pupils’ achievement, particularly in relation to the use of additional funds.

And Mrs Bolton said the school has already been working on improving the teaching further.

She added: ‘We do team teaching. Our teachers film themselves and reflect to see what they can improve.